Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $468

Standard/Professional

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W combo amplifier is a sonic powerhouse that brings vintage charm into the modern realm. Designed for musicians who demand versatility and rich tone, this amp combines two distinct personalities into one compact package. Featuring a 30W Blackface channel and an 18W Brownface Deluxe channel, it offers a unique tonal palette that spans from sparkling cleans to gritty, overdriven textures. The quartet of EL84 tubes ensures rapid power tube saturation, providing dynamic responsiveness and warm tube character.

Whether you're grooving in the studio or rocking the stage, the Bassbreaker 18/30W adapts effortlessly to your playing style. It is equipped with two Celestion V-Type speakers, which deliver a balanced sound with a tight low end and articulate highs. The flexible channel-switching options allow you to explore a variety of sounds, making this amp an ideal choice for musicians who crave adaptability without sacrificing quality.

Perfect for blues, rock, and everything in between, the Bassbreaker 18/30W is a testament to Fender's legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. Its rugged design and road-ready build ensure it will withstand the rigors of touring, while its tonal versatility will keep your creative juices flowing.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel design: 30W Blackface & 18W Brownface Deluxe
  • Four EL84 power tubes for dynamic, responsive sound
  • Two Celestion V-Type speakers for balanced tone
  • Channel-switching options for versatile sound exploration
  • Compact and durable build for studio or live use

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Bassbreaker 18/30 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Gray Tweed
Year 2016 - 2019
Made In Mexico
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Grey
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Bassbreaker 18/30
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 30
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb None
Series Fender Bassbreaker
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What type of music is the Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W best suited for?

The Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W excels in genres that benefit from warm, tube-driven tones like blues, rock, and classic rock. Its dual-channel design allows for both clean and overdriven sounds, making it versatile for various musical styles.

How loud is the Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W, and is it suitable for gigging?

With 30 watts of power and a 2x12" speaker configuration, the Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W is loud enough for small to medium-sized gigs. Its power and tone make it a reliable choice for live performances and rehearsals.

Does the Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W have built-in reverb?

No, the Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W does not include built-in reverb. Users seeking reverb effects will need to use an external reverb pedal or effect unit.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W?

The Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W offers a rich, British-inspired tone with a focus on midrange warmth and clarity. Its EL84 power tubes provide a smooth overdrive that's ideal for classic rock and blues sounds.

How does the Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W handle effects pedals?

The Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W is well-suited for use with effects pedals, offering a responsive and dynamic tone that complements various pedal types, from overdrives to modulation effects.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Fender Bassbreaker Amps 18/30 & 45 - Best Fender Amps Ever?

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker Amps 18/30 & 45 - Best Fender Amps Ever? by Andertons Music Co

Fender Bassbreaker Amps 18/30 & 45 - Best Fender Amps Ever?

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Watt Tube Combo Amp by Guitar Center

Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Watt Tube Combo Amp

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Demo | Fender by Fender

Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Demo | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 by Guitar World

Fender Bassbreaker 18/30

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 by Phillip McKnight

Fender Bassbreaker 18/30

Phillip McKnight

Phillip McKnight

Video thumbnail for FENDER Bassbreaker 18/30 Combo by session

FENDER Bassbreaker 18/30 Combo

session

session

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 - 18/30 Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo | N Stuff Music by N Stuff Music

Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 - 18/30 Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo | N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Tube Combo Amp Demo by Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Tube Combo Amp Demo by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Fender BassBreaker 18/30 Tube Guitar Combo Amp by Musician's Friend

Fender BassBreaker 18/30 Tube Guitar Combo Amp

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Boutique Amp on a Budget? Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Tube EL84 Guitar Amplifier - The Guitar Bay by The Guitar Bay

Boutique Amp on a Budget? Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Tube EL84 Guitar Amplifier - The Guitar Bay

The Guitar Bay

The Guitar Bay

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers amazing sparkling cleans and impressive dirty tones with pedals

  • Exceptionally loud for a 2x12, even at low volume settings

  • Classic valve power offers unmatched tonal clarity

  • Broad tonal range with no loss of tone at low volumes

  • Takes pedals well, enhancing their true tones

  • Lightweight yet powerful, mimicking high-end boutique amp quality

  • Simple, stylish design with dark blue/black tweed and brushed steel accents

  • Option to add a foot switch for convenient channel switching

CONS

  • Limited built-in parameters compared to other amps

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W.

Features and functionality

  • Lacks master volume and attenuator, making it challenging to manage volume in rehearsal settings.

    Source
  • The amp is recognized for its impressive low-end capabilities, even when compared to larger models like the Bassbreaker 45.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users find the 18-watt side requires high volume (6-7) to achieve desirable overdrive tones, unsuitable for small venues or rehearsal spaces.

    Source
  • The Bassbreaker 18/30 is praised for handling high gain tones well in hardcore genres, akin to bands like Thrice and Rise Against.

    Source
  • The amp is praised for its ability to achieve gritty, growling tones, making it suitable for styles that require a dirtier sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The amp's volume control is compared to the Vox AC-15, which offers more flexibility with its master volume.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Bassbreaker 18/30 circuit resembles a vintage Bassman, which is favored when paired with a bass cab for improved sound quality.

    Source
  • Owners note the Bassbreaker 18/30 has a dirtier, vintage UK sound compared to traditional Fender amps like the Deluxe Reverb or Blues series.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the 30-watt channel's significant volume output even at low settings, requiring alternative volume management strategies.

    Source
  • It's highlighted that the amp can "center the room," suggesting a powerful presence and sound projection in a live setting.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing stock guitar speakers with extended range models for better compatibility with bass VI, enhancing low-frequency performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users describe the amp as "huge" and "a monster," indicating a physically large and robust build that might surprise new buyers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 2X12 Combo review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 2x12 Combo offers a robust and versatile 'Brit sound' with solid build quality, making it a great value for those looking to experiment with pedals. Its vintage design recalls the mid-60s 'blackface' and 'brownface' tones, delivering bright, airy treble and full bass. Channel 1 shines with digital effects, while Channel 2 pairs well with analogue effects to produce dynamic distortion. However, the lack of an effects loop and the amp's high volume output may not suit home use. Overall, it's a strong choice for pedal enthusiasts and gigging musicians.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
retarded_fish

Fender experimented on this one

A weird amp, not quite comparable to anything I've ever played. Amazing dirty sounds which don't quite sound like other Fenders. Sounds the best on single coils since active and humbucking pickups drive it into breakup very fast even on 30w "clean" channel. For this reason I put an EQ pedal with volume rolled down in front of it when I use my actives. Really one of a kind amp that you either hate or love. Takes pedals alright, you have to mess with the EQ a bit since it's very bright (the low end will also rattle your dental filling out). I give it 4 stars because it's missing an FX loop and the lack of master volume knob makes it a little finicky to dial in. Extremely loud, wouldn't recommend for home use without an attenuator. I use it as a slightly crunchy pedal platform for vintage type metal tones like Baroness or Mastodon.

jacob_keplinger

Live amp 2017

Used this amp for the house circuit we played in 2017 promoting Death in the Afternoon. Never recorded.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Laurie Vincent uses Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W

Laurie Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

Slaves

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 4:00 mark in the YouTube clip "Slaves - Beauty Quest #Woodstock2017", Laurie Vincent's Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W can be clearly seen in his stack, positioned on top of his Orange 4×12 cabinet.

See how Joe Langridge-Brown uses Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W

Joe Langridge-Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Nothing But Thieves

...
Verified via Facebook

Joe Langridge-Brown is seen using the Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W amplifier in a photo shared by Nothing But Thieves on Facebook, coinciding with the start of their UK tour at O2 Academy.

See how Benjamin Ian Taylor uses Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W

Benjamin Ian Taylor

Guitarist

Lunar Echoes

...
Verified via YouTube

This is Taylor's main amplifier for live shows and recording.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Bassbreaker 18/30W, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Fender Combo Guitar Amplifiers

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    grdsv
    grdsv

    Gear IQ 77